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1

Satellite-based signaling is enabling
Smartphone-like connectivity on a
global scale.
By Argie Sarantinos-Perrin

Special Section:
Optics and Robotics

PM JLTV
PEO Combat Support & Combat
Service Support
Warren, MI

10

19

Latest in ground-penetrating radar
enables detection and neutralization of
the IED threat.
By Dr. Christina Bates

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Partners in Combat

Unmanned air support in manned air
operations is seeing critical advances.
Q&A with John Beck, Deputy Project
Manager, Army Unmanned Air Systems

A&M spoke with PEO Soldier and
the U.S. Army Research Laboratory
on some of the latest technologies in
development and the field.

Recurring Highlights
Rugged on the Move

Evolution in Command
Post Mobility

30

A need for robust, reliable networking
is giving rise to flexible, modular
command and control.
By Nancy Jones-Bonbrest

Facing the Hybrid Threat

26

Strategic Leader

Find, Fix, Finish

34

The Air Forceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Program Executive
Office for Intelligence Surveillance
and Reconnaissance and Special
Operations Forces (PEO ISR & SOF)
applies real-time training for real
world response.
By Colonel Mike Schmidt

28
Secure by Balloon

Atmospheric-based unmanned surveillance
technology is not a thing of the past.
Q&A with Mr. Matthew McNiel, Vice
President, TCOM

Departments
2

Insights

18 FutureTech
36 Ad Listing/Events Calendar
Cover: U.S. Army recruit Madison Elam, 19, of
Vandalia, Ohio, peers through the close combat
optic scope on her M16 as she covers her
battle buddy as they move through the grenade
qualification course during basic training at Fort
Jackson, SC. Upon graduating basic training Elam
will move on to become a motor transport operator.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar)

s the fall foliage turns and the country’s attention becomes even more
focused on the 2016 presidential race, the gears of the military continue
to spin in response to emerging global threats. Innovations in armor
protection and dismounted equipment are occurring at breakneck speed, allowing
soldiers and Marines new capabilities that were previously unknown and distant
to enable mission success.
The November edition of Armor & Mobility seeks to cover an expansive field
of new technologies required for an adaptable military in an ever-changing world.
From blast reduction and vision capabilities in brown-out scenarios, to the use of
UAVs for close air support and base protection, to mobile command posts, this
issue is sure to have something for everyone. In addition to these revolutionary
models, Armor & Mobility is proud to feature a Special Section devoted to optics
and robotics, the latter in keeping with the running theme of Unmanned Tech
Solutions.
A&M’s opening feature consists of examining ways to protect ground tactical
vehicles that are constantly subjected to blasts from IEDs, leading to improved
sustainment and minimal loss of life. In the PEO Corner, A&M had the
opportunity to speak with COL Shane Fullmer, who serves as Program Manager
for the Army-led JLTV program, which recently awarded a contract for Low-Rate
and Full-Rate Production with 17,000 new vehicles expected to enter service as
gradual replacement for the Army’s trusted High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle
(HMMWV).
One of the highlights of this issue is Unmanned Tech Solutions, featuring
editorials on the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in close air support
(CAS) manned-unmanned teaming (MUMT) operations, as well as their use in
homeland security and forward deployments. The use of mobile command posts
is also discussed as the need for integrated global comms connectivity continues
to grow.
A&M is also proud to showcase a Special Section on the latest in Optics and
Robotics with input from PEO Soldier and Army Research Laboratory, continuing
to emphasize the relationship to armor and unmanned technologies. The segment
seeks to present some of the latest in dismounted equipment, as well as unmanned
gadgets, from big names in industry, giving readers insight into the latest in
targeting and autonomous system technology.
As always, we look forward to your comments and continued readership!

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2 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

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The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle, built specifically for the mountainous Afghan terrain, next to the larger MRAP MaxxPro Dash. (Army)

T

underlining that, to sustain the energy management
he U.S. Army is looking at options for
and that could be bullets, fuel, electrical power, and
including active blast protection capabilities
so on. “What we have to do is adapt not only to the
within its fleet of ground tactical vehicles to
threats out there, but also to the terrain that we are
counter deadly acceleration forces on crew.
in, and the full operational environment,” Maciuba
The idea that improvised explosive devices
noted.
(IEDs) are a new threat is probably decades, if not
From a vehicle point of view, MCoE manages
centuries, old. The very idea of having buried
protection against many threats including blasts,
explosive charges can cause an opposing army
explosively-formed projectiles, ballistics and kinetic
to change its tactics. Look at what happened at
threats, shaped charges, chemical threats, and others.
Petersburg, Virginia during the Civil War, or with
All of these can be characterized in terms of relatively
the siege engines that brought down castles in
Ted Maciuba
simple metrics like energy in joules, or momentum
medieval times. The fact is that there has always
in kilonewton seconds. The intent is to manage or defeat the
been explosive capability against opposing forces on the
threats in ways that protect the crew and make the vehicle more
battlefield.
survivable.
“What I would argue is that combat is all about energy
“We’ve reached a tipping point where the gains we achieve
management,” said Ted Maciuba, Deputy for Mounted
from passive blast mitigation solutions are lost, in most part
Requirements, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Ft.
due to increased vehicle weight and thus a corresponding loss in
Benning, GA. “So what you have to do with a combat vehicle, or
mobility,” noted COL (USA Ret.) Rocky Kmiecik, former Chief of
a Soldier, is manage energy in terms as simple as “shoot, move
Mounted Requirements at MCoE. “Losses in mobility bring you
and communicate”.
back to predictable paths of maneuver, and allow enemies to more
The next level, according to Maciuba, is to survive, and then

4 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

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The Linear Rocket Motor (LRM) ignites under a tactical test vehicle, countering the force of a mine blast. (ABBS)

easily target you with underbelly devices.”

The Mass Conundrum

“The goal is for vehicles to have an effective mass significantly
greater than their actual mass,” indicated Maciuba.
The advantage of Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected
(MRAP) vehicles is not only platform offset and a V-shaped hull,
but that they have the mass necessary to keep blast acceleration
rates significantly lower than comparable lighter vehicles. “The
cost of that additional mass is that mobility is decreased, and
so we’re trying to find balance in terms of the Iron Triangle:
mobility, protection and lethality,” said Maciuba. “What we
want to do is get to the left of the blast event and be able to
attack the network, sense the IED or mine, and ultimately stop
it from blowing up. Once the explosion occurs, there is very
little you can do at this point except have a vehicle designed to
manage the blast. You have the internal system to manage the
acceleration issues and ride it out, and that’s really what you end
up with.”
The idea of having an active system that provides a vehicle
with an equivalent mass an order of magnitude greater than
its actual mass is something that folks at MCoE Mounted
Requirements are very interested in. “You can have a tenton vehicle, but it has the effective mass with an underbelly
explosion of a seventy-ton Abrams,” noted Maciuba. “To
me, that is a technology that we want to pursue, nurture and
potentially integrate onto future combat vehicles.”
During blast acceleration, it does not necessarily mean

6 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

that the vehicle crew is injured because the occupants hit things
within the cabin, but more that their bodies are accelerated
beyond its capability to keep itself together. The acceleration
itself is so violent that the body’s internal structure cannot keep
whole. “There are multiple effects and what we need to do is
understand those effects and try to defeat them,” said Maciuba.
“What we’re looking for is actually a blast-defeat mechanism. In
the past we have dealt with armor and mass; what we’re looking
for in the future with this kind of capability is to actually have
lighter vehicles with less mass, but have the same characteristics as
significantly heavier vehicles.”
“Active blast defeat technologies open up new solutions that
can give you the same force protection and vehicle survivability
that you could get through heavier passive solutions,” said COL
Kmiecik. “The keys to success of these technologies will be
integration with their sensors to enable the systems to detect and
react in time to the event, while preventing false activations; the
ability of the counter measure to generate the force necessary to
counteract the blast without damaging the platform on which
it’s mounted; the systems capability to operate safely without
endangering the vehicle crew or those around the vehicle, i.e. no
collateral damage.”

MCoE Blast Mitigation
reduced end rotation or flip-potential,
lower jump height, and shorter flight.
Collectively, the vehicle and occupants
experience decreased force during postblast ground impact.
ABDS™ works as a family of
components that perform together to
counteract the deadly effects of blast
impulse energy to greatly increase
survivability. ABDS™ is adaptable
and scalable to suit combat, tactical,
wheeled, tracked or amphibious vehicle
applications.
“Testing has demonstrated that
compound and severe injuries (i.e. spine,
neck, lumbar, head and TBI) associated
with blast events are reduced with
ABDS™,” said Paul Palmer, Director of
Business Development – Active Systems
for the Americas, TenCate Advanced
Armor. “In addition, survivor extrication,
as well as vehicle recovery, can be executed
with greater ease and speed and reduced
exposure to enemy ambush.”

TenCate ABDS Sentinel X™ is a family of proprietary components that work in harmony to enhance occupant
survivability on ground vehicles. The system utilizes a small suite of sensors that stand at the ready to detect a
blast event (TenCate)

Under a multi-year RDECOM
command-wide Cooperative Research
and Development Agreement (CRADA),
ABDS™ works by countering the
momentum generated by a blast impulse.

It does so through an integrated system
of sensors, countermeasures, and an
advanced processor that initiates action
when a blast is detected. As a result, a
vehicle experiences less launch velocity,

Roadside bombs are a serious threat. TenCate ABDS is a serious solution.
TM

Photo courtesy of U.S. Military

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are a constant hazard for ground vehicle crews.
TenCate ABDS™ is an active blast countermeasure system designed to detect and
respond to mine blasts within milliseconds to reduce injury and save lives.
Innovative Threat Protection: TenCate ABDS

TM

mitigates the transfer of deadly blast energy and can simultaneously measure, record, report and trigger sub-systems.

ABBS rocket motors provide ‘artificial
weight’ at just the right time, and for
the correct duration to counteract the
forces generated by the relatively large
IED’s that are currently prevalent in
many conflict areas around the world.
A single VGAM motor 1 m long will
briefly produce 50,000 kg thrust, so four
on a 10 tonne vehicle will make it weight
210 tons for just the right period of time
required to fully counteract the mine
blast forces.

For underbelly blasts, even in
fully-armored vehicles, the rapid
deformation of the vehicle floor is a
major cause of lower limb injuries,
often necessitating leg amputations.
At 13ms after the mine has exploded, the LRM™ is delivering full thrust, and the vehicle has not moved. (ABBS)
To counter these threats, ABBS USA
LLC has developed a sophisticated, new method of protecting
vehicles from explosions. The Active Mine Protection Systems
Balancing the Total Envelope
(AMPS™) technology counteracts the mine blast forces within
In terms of size, weight, power and cooling (SWaP-C), MCoE
milliseconds, limiting the deformation of the belly plate and
Mounted Requirements is trying to increase the envelope within
preventing the vehicle from being blown in the air (Global
which soldiers can survive or in other words, maximize force
acceleration), thereby reducing or even eliminating most injuries protection. On the vehicle side, a smaller envelope within which
and deaths of our soldiers.
the vehicle will be able to continue its mission is considered
“To counteract this threat it is essential that the
survivability.
counteraction forces from the AMPS™ motors are transmitted
“The primary view here is that we’re going to save vehicle
directly into the vehicle floor or belly plate structure to
occupants in a blast event, with the secondary view of saving the
minimize floor deformation,” said Roger Sloman, “Ideally,
vehicle itself,” noted Maciuba. “We will actually sacrifice the
the powerful counteraction forces should be applied within
vehicle in certain cases so that the crew can walk away from a
1 to 2ms of the mine exploding, although by careful design
potentially-deadly blast event.”
of the belly plate and lower hull design and incorporating
crushable structure the main deformation effects can be delayed
Looking Forward
sufficiently to allow a slightly longer delay before counteraction
Potentially the biggest issue that Army’s Mounted Requirements
forces are applied.”
is facing in terms of vehicle operability in combat is the effective
The ABBS USA LLC system incorporates fast-acting,
management of operational energy. “What we’re looking for is
powerful Linear Rocket Motors (LRM’s) which push down on
an integrated vehicle energy management solution that is able to
the vehicle structure through various locations on the vehicle,
allocate energy for lethality, mobility and protection,” stressed
which can include the roof, bumpers, front suspension points,
Maciuba. “If we can get to that, then we’re starting to change
and even between the floor and the belly plate. “The LRM’s are
the Iron Triangle in real time. Right now the only way we
responsible for generating the total impulse required to hold the
change it is when that vehicle is designed. When we’ve put out
vehicle down against the mine blast lifting forces and preventing
our capabilities and industry comes back and gives us a vehicle
its acceleration upwards,” noted Sloman. “If the mine blast is
that does those kinds of things.
within the system design specification, the upward or ‘global’
For now, a lot of what the Army remains focused on is a
movement of the vehicle will be completely prevented, so the
tradeoff within the Iron Triangle by hanging on additional
occupants will not be subjected to any significant G forces, and
armor, putting in other types of engines, all involving
will suffer no significant G-related injuries.”
significant consideration.
As long as the vehicle belly plate can sustain the blast loads
“With the Army’s move towards a lighter more deployable
without being penetrated and the vehicle floor design and the
force, technologies such as active blast mitigation will be critical
spacing between the belly plate and floor is sufficient to prevent
not only to the combat vehicles of the future, but to the Army’s
floor deformation effects, there is no theoretical limit to the
legacy systems as well,” emphasized COL Kmiecik.
mine blast specification, although system weight, space claim
and cost will eventually impose a practical limit.

Power without Mass

The ABBS rocket motors are sufficiently small and light enough
that they can be located easily in many different locations on
the vehicles and their linear configuration provides footprint
areas large enough to allow mounting on un-reinforced areas of
a standard ballistic steel body. It is therefore now possible for
armored vehicle OEM’s and the military vehicle specifiers to
consider multiplying their vehicle mine blast specifications by a
factor of two, three or even four without adding huge amounts of
weight to keep the global acceleration threat within limits. The

8 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

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ver the past decade, U.S.
forces have faced a hybrid
threat—enemies skilled in the
fundamentals of asymmetric war
who use increasingly sophisticated
technologies to maximize their lethality.
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
are a prime example: the enemy is
well-versed in coupling its use of
innovative technologies with its own
home-grown and rudimentary—yet
potent—weaponry. As technology
proliferates, it will become increasingly
easier and cheaper for adversaries to
acquire and employ advanced devices
with which to wage war against more
conventional forces. As part of their
efforts to combat terrorism and
maintain a global presence, the U.S. and
its allies are executing missions in varied
geographies, each of which have inherent
and numerous constraints. None of these
challenges, however, should prevent U.S.
soldiers from moving quickly and safely
anywhere on the battlefield.
The U.S. must stay ahead of the
hybrid-threat to remain successful in
the fight. For more than fifty years, the
U.S. Army Research, Development, and
Engineering Command (RDECOM),
Communications-Electronics Research,
Development, and Engineering Center
(CERDEC), Night Vision and Electronic
Sensors Directorate (NVESD) has
enabled the warfighter to operate
effectively in nighttime and obscured
conditions by researching, developing,
and supporting the procurement of
the world’s most cutting-edge sensors.
Seizing on recent advancements in
technology, NVESD is currently piloting
innovative technologies in a major area
of development and support—counter
IED.

10 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

Unlocking the Potential
for Integrated GPR

The biggest risk a warfighter faces
when detecting explosive hazards, such
as IEDs, is death or serious injury.
NVESD is primarily responsible for
the development of new and improved
capabilities to detect, mark, and
neutralize battlefield explosive hazards,
including landmines, IEDs, and
unexploded ordnance. In response to the
ongoing and significant threat posed by
IEDs and other explosive hazards, the
Countermine Division (CMD) at NVESD
is conducting research for, and executing
programs that, integrate groundpenetrating radar (GPR) on to various
ground platforms. These platforms
either provide safe stand-off ranges for
an operator to “map” a given area or
are able to detect, mark, and neutralize
explosives remotely (e.g., using robotic
capabilities).
As the composition of IEDs continues
to morph and expand, so too must
our capabilities for detection and
neutralization. Low-metal explosive
threats pose an increasing risk, since they
are often missed in detection exercises
employing traditional metal detector
technologies. The NVESD-developed
Husky Mounted Detection System
(HMDS), for example, is a vehicle-based
GPR developed to counter the emergence
of these low-metal buried explosive
threats. Serving as the lead vehicle
during deliberate clearance efforts, the
HMDS enables the warfighter to detect,
identify, and neutralize low-metal
explosives at safe stand-off ranges and
with relatively high accuracy. Employed
in Afghanistan, HMDS has enabled the
verification of more than one-thousand
IEDs, while minimizing risk of death

or serious injury. The HMDS served
as a kind of early prototype for the
integration of GPR onto platforms.

Innovation Integration

Today, NVESD is researching and
prototyping technologies to adapt
“HMDS-like” GPR for integration onto
other platforms with robotic capabilities.
Leveraging modular, plug-and-play
sensors, the directorate is working
to integrate GPR in ways that enable
operators to map an area from a safe
distance via remote-controlled robots,

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Threat Detection IEDs and Explosive Hazards
potential threat. Visualization also lessens the training burden
on operators, since they now have more data to rely on beyond
the nuanced audible feedback. NVESD’s goal is to integrate
this visualized data into existing hand-held detectors, as well
as in to future robotic detectors, to defeat explosive devices
by increasing accuracy of detection and identification, while
reducing risk of death or serious injury to operators.

Up to the Challenge

Asymmetric warfare presents unique, complex, and rapidly
evolving challenges. To diffuse the hybrid threat, we must
harness innovation using research and development to unlock
the full potential of both current and future capabilities.
NVESD brings to bear more than five decades of research
excellence and innovation to equip the warfighter with the
capabilities necessary to understand the battlefield and operate
successfully in all conditions. GPR is part of this effort, and
others are on the horizon. Hybrid enemies will continue to
innovate, and groups such as NVESD will work tirelessly to
counter their efforts.
Lead art: Top: More than 200 HMDS have been fielded in Afghanistan to
detect in-ground hazards from safe standoff ranges. (NVESD)
Bottom: Using GPR sensory capabilities, HMDS is able to pick up low-metal
electromagnetic signatures given off by IEDs. (NVESD)

thereby drastically reducing the risk to operators.
In conjunction with this effort, NVESD is in the early
stages of researching the potential for visualizing potential
explosive threats and using visualization data to complement
audible data. To date, detection is sound-based—an operator
must undergo specialized training (and repeated training,
since the skills to accurately interpret audible data are highly
perishable) to learn how to operate hand-held detectors and
to accurately interpret the oftentimes highly nuanced audible
feedback from the detector. With visualization, audible
feedback is complemented by visual feedback that increases the
operator’s likelihood of accurately detecting and identifying
a potential explosive threat. As a result, the operator will be
able to better determine the size and composition of a given

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Armor & Mobility November 2015 | 11

More Than Just A Monitor

TM

The Smallest, Lightest, Most Advanced
Transport Monitor Just Got Even Better!

With Tempus Pro™ RDT promised a flexible platform, capable of enhancement
post-purchase and in the field as new requirements are identified and
new technologies emerge.
In line with this commitment, RDT are launching a sophisticated configurable Summary Record
of Care (SRoC™) that incorporates the latest TCCC card and enables fast, easy capturing
and sharing of key patient events.

JLTV Forges Ahead
U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command
(TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC)
recently awarded Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh
Corporation a $6.7 billion firm fixed price production
contract to manufacture the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle
(JLTV). The contract, which includes both Low Rate Initial
Production (LRIP) and Full Rate Production (FRP), is
expected to fill a critical capability gap for the U.S. Army
and Marine Corps by replacing a large portion of the legacy
HMMWV f leet with a light tactical vehicle with advanced
protection and off-road mobility. Notably, competitors
AM General and Lockheed Martin have not ruled out the
possibility of filing a protest over the decision with the
Government Accountability Office.
Armor & Mobility had the opportunity to speak with
COL Shane Fullmer, Program Manager, Joint Light Tactical
Vehicles (JLTV), Program Executive Office Combat Support
and Combat Service Support (CS&CSS), Warren, MI.
Interview conducted by A&M Editor Kevin Hunter

A&M: Can you give us an update on the JLTV program?
COL Fullmer: Earlier this year the Army and Marine Corps
successfully transitioned the JLTV program into its production
phase on-budget and on-schedule after a competitive
engineering and manufacturing development acquisition
phase. This is the largest, competitive Army down-select for
production in more than a decade. It is impressive on its own,
but it’s even more impressive if you think about the fact that we
endured sequestration, a government shutdown, and civilian
furloughs during that time. All of that is a testament to the
incredible effort of our Army and Marine Corps team who
never lost focus on their mission or their customers.
During the most recent phase, three vendors each delivered
22 prototype vehicles and the government conducted an intense
test phase that lasted more than a year and included more
than 1,000 test events. We pioneered some new Better Buying
Power approaches to leveraging competition, emphasizing
requirement stability, and holding ourselves to an affordability
target. In the end, we’re very satisfied that we delivered an
important capability for our Soldiers and Marines, and I’m
excited to see it in the field.
A&M: JLTV was in development for a long time. What
makes it so important to the Army’s future now?

COL Fullmer: The Army’s Operating Concept describes a
future operational environment as unknown, unknowable,
and constantly changing. We already see Soldiers and Marines
operating in environments we never really even considered
when I was a lieutenant, with threats and challenges all around
them. Yet, they still use the same platforms we designed for a
different environment. JLTV is really all about the future, and
if there’s a key word for what it provides it’s “expeditionary”.
Our troops need a vehicle that is not only as balanced as
possible in terms of payload, performance, and protection but
also f lexible, reliable, and connected to 21st century networks.
JLTVs will expand commander’s options on the battlefield
with a more mobile, more transportable protected mobility
solution that also includes gains in maintainability, reliability,
and fuel efficiency. JLTV absolutely gives them that, and it
does it in a way that we can build on for decades to come.
A&M: What has been most rewarding about this
program?
COL Fullmer: I think it has been the people, specifically
their critical thinking, commitment, and passion for some
very innovative ideas and for the reason they come to work

Armor & Mobility November 2015 | 13

PEO Corner

every day. Many of them know people who served
in recent conf licts or did so themselves, and so
they very much understand the capability gap
that we are trying to fill. I served on the
program during the previous phase and
had an opportunity to see it up close, and
now to see it moving even further ahead gives
everyone associated with JLTV a feeling of
pride about what a great team can deliver that
not only matters to Soldiers, Marines, and
their families, but to our taxpayers as well.
A&M: What are Soldiers and Marines saying
about JLTV?
COL Fullmer: One of the great opportunities we had during
the previous phase was called a “Limited User Test” where
Soldiers and Marines had an opportunity to employ vehicles
from all of our vendors in several realistic scenarios. Not only
did they give us some very important feedback on specific
items, but they also told us how excited they were to have these
vehicles in the field. In so many ways, JLTVs will give Soldiers
and Marines significantly more operational f lexibility today,
along with some great advancements—like improved reliability

and built-in network connectivity. For troops who
face increasingly uncertain situations, those are
really important advancements.
A&M: What made JLTV succeed, where
so many Army programs have failed?
COL Fullmer: Relationships – two sets
of relationships in particular. First, the
program has been a tremendous partnership
between the Army and Marine Corps. The
truck’s name starts with the word “Joint” and we
mean it. In fact, it was the personal involvement
of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and the Assistant
Commandant of the Marine Corps that really drove the
program’s success from the technology development phase
into the recent engineering and manufacturing development
phase—establishing an affordability cap and looking at
tradeable requirements.
The other tremendous partnership was between the
acquisition community and the user. We built a very strong
dialogue about requirements, what we would pursue, what was
achievable, etc. and then we stuck to it. Once we agreed on our
requirements, they stayed very firm, which is one of the biggest
reasons for the program staying on-budget and on-schedule.
Open communication about what can and can’t be done—and
what it costs—was absolutely essential, and with everyone
focused on filling today’s capability gap, we made great strides.
I would also add that in terms of what we delivered, the
real key to success wasn’t any specific technology or other
advancement, it was in the hard work of diligent systems
engineering and program management to balance requirement
and resources toward a really impressive outcome. It was
people, thinking hard about how to solve hard problems that
were the reason this program performed as it did.

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14 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

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Enhanced Lethality
A U.S. Army technology czar wants to arm the service’s combat
formations, from squads to brigade combat teams, with firefightending weapons.
“We are undertaking broad range of efforts to improve the
lethality of our force,” Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, director of Army
Capabilities Integration Center and deputy commanding general of
Futures at Training and Doctrine Command, told an audience at the
2015 Maneuver Conference at Fort Benning, Georgia.
During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army emphasized
armor protection over lethality and mobility, McMaster said.
“We are trying to ensure that every formation in our Army has
the appropriate combination of mobility, protection and lethality to
overmatch the enemy,” he said. “We don’t want 14-hour firefights.
We want four-second firefights.”
One of the goals of the effort is to build more lethality into the
squad.
“We are weighed down; not as mobile as we want to be to
conduct fire and maneuver and close contact with the enemy, so we
need to lighten our kit,” McMaster said. “We need to lighten what we
are wearing for protection, but we also need to lighten our weapon
systems and our ammunition.”

tacticaldefensemedia.com

This is being looked at under squad foundation of the Decisive
Force Initiative.
“We also want more firepower and a firefight-ending capability,”
McMaster said, asking if anyone had served in Afghanistan’s
Korengal Valley, an area where some of the fiercest fighting of the
war took place.
“What happened when you bumped up against an enemy that
had multiple RPGs? We were outgunned,” McMaster said. “So how
do we get that firefight-ending capability? The counter-defilade
capability right now is represented by the XM25,” a shoulder-fired
weapon that shoots a 25mm airburst round designed to detonate over
enemy hiding behind cover.
“We want to build into the squad the ability to create smoking
boots on the other end of the engagement,” he said. “In general,
bullets that explode are better than bullets that don’t explode.”
There has also been discussion about equipping infantry brigade
combat teams with mobile protected firepower platforms that can
ensure freedom of movement for infantry in close contact with the
enemy and can do so in forcible entry operations.
More info: army.mil

Armor & Mobility November 2015 | 15

Mobile Connectivity Global SATCOM

VERSATILE COMMS

CONQUER

TERRAIN
New satellite system provides smartphone-like
services to troops all over the world, enabling
them to talk, text, and share mission data
seamlessly.
By Argie Sarantinos-Perrin, Project Manager
Tactical Radios, PEO C3T

L

aunched from the Atlas V rocket in
Cape Canaveral, Fl. on September 2
this year, the Mobile User Objective
System (MUOS)-4 satellite traveled
10 miles per second towards its final
destination 22,000-miles above the Earth.
“The MUOS system provides
connectivity for warfighters no matter
where they are, including on ships and
in aircraft and ground vehicles,” said
Col. James P. Ross, Project Manager for
Tactical Radios. “Linking to the military
global network is critical for troops that
are deployed around the world.”

SATCOM and Beyond

As the next-generation narrowband
military satellite communications

16 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

system, MUOS is replacing the current
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite
constellation, now reaching end-of-life
cycle. In addition to providing 10 times
more capacity, the MUOS system delivers
a message in less than a second – after
traveling nearly 100,000 miles.
“The legacy satellite communications
system allowed users to ‘talk’ as
long as they were within the same
satellite footprint,” said Navy Capt.
Joe Kan, Program Manager, Navy
Communications Satellite Program
Office. “MUOS allows troops all over the
world to talk, text, and share mission data
seamlessly without having to worry about
where they are in relation to a satellite.”
The Navy and Army have been

working together to deliver the MUOS
capability across the Joint Services to
provide users radios with secure voice,
data and video on demand, similar to
commercial cellular service.
Leveraging 3G Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)
cellular telephone technology, the MUOS
system uses geostationary satellites that
are strategically positioned above the
Earth, along with ground stations around
the world to provide military users with
secure voice and Internet Protocol (IP)
data. The ground stations are located in
Hawaii, Virginia, Italy, and Australia.
Information travels via UHF WCDMA
to one of the ground stations, then is
uplinked to the MUOS satellite before

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Mobile Connectivity Global SATCOM

Manpack Radio

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)-4
satellite was launched from the Atlas V rocket
recently in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Initially,
the MUOS-4 will be positioned 22,000 miles
above the Pacific Ocean while it undergoes
initial testing, but will move to a permanent
location over the Indian Ocean. (United
Launch Alliance)

travelling to users stationed anywhere in
the world.
The recent launch at Cape Canaveral,
the fourth in a series of five satellite
launches, is designed to interconnect with
the ground stations to relay information.
Each satellite covers half of the planet,
with overlap to provide redundancy.
The MUOS-4 will initially be positioned
over the Pacific Ocean while undergoing
initial testing and checkout, but will
move to its permanent position over
the Indian Ocean. The fifth and final
satellite, which will be a backup in case
another satellite goes down, will be
launched in May 2016, and will be located
within a few degrees of the MUOS-4
satellite.

tacticaldefensemedia.com

While the Navy Communications Satellite
Program Office has overall responsibility
to deliver the MUOS capability, the Army’s
Project Manager for Tactical Radios (PM
TR) supplies the Manpack Radio, which
will use the MUOS waveform.
The Manpack Radio, which can be
vehicle-mounted or dismounted, is the
Army’s first two-channel, software-defined
radio capable of supporting advanced and
current force waveforms. The Manpack
Radio is the first man-portable radio to be
used with the MUOS waveform, and will
be the primary MUOS terminal for ground
users.
A key feature of the two-channel
Manpack Radio running the MUOS
waveform is that it enables communication
across larger areas of operation by
routing and re-transmitting information.
For instance, soldiers on the move can
communicate regardless of relative
location to a MUOS satellite. With the
legacy SATCOM, soldiers needed to be
stationary in order to communicate.
Utilizing the MUOS Beyond Line-of-Site
(BLOS) capability on one channel, coupled
with a second waveform, like the Soldier
Radio Waveform (SRW) or the Single
Channel Ground and Airborne Radios
System (SINCGARS) on the other channel,
units that are BLOS of each other can
connect seamlessly, increasing the combat
effectiveness of the overall system.
The Army plans to procure more than
60,000 Manpack Radios. On August 3
this year, a Request for Proposals opened
competition to qualified vendors. Contract
awards are expected during summer 2016.
In order to ensure the MUOS waveform
can run on the standard Manpack Radio,
the Army has developed the MUOS High
Power Amplifier (MHPA) accessory to
replace one of the Manpack’s standard
MHPAs. The MHPA, to eventually become
part of the radio itself, is slated for use by
the Joint Services.

Pushing the Comms Envelope

In an effort to expand communications
onboard ships and aircraft, the Navy and
Air Force are testing other radios with
the MUOS waveform. The Navy recently
purchased 54 AN/USC-61 Digital Modular
Radios that are equipped with the MUOS
waveform. The radios, which could become
operational by the end of the year, will

enable sailors to transmit and receive
voice, data, and video. The Air Force is
currently testing ARC-210 radios with
the MUOS waveform on B1 aircraft to see
how voice and data transmits between
ground forces and aviation platforms.
The Coast Guard is currently
conducting an experiment using the
MUOS waveform and Manpack Radio
onboard the Cutter HEALY in the Arctic
Circle. One of the challenges of very high
latitudes, particularly the Arctic Circle, is
that the satellite is harder to see because
of its geosynchronous orbit above the
equator. Additionally, temperatures may
dip as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit.
“The HEALY team has been able to
operate with great success in a denied
environment,” said William Cress, PM
TR MUOS project lead. “They have been
able to successfully exchange voice and
data, and we communicate with the team
daily.”
The next milestone for the MUOS
and Manpack Radio is a Multi-service
Operational Test and Evaluation
(MOT&E), which will be conducted in
October-November 2015. The MOT&E
will use two satellites, route calls
through at least two ground stations
instead of a single location, and involve
larger quantities of radios. The goals of
the MOT&E are to see how the MUOS
waveform performs in operational
scenarios including: point-to-point voice
and data; voice and data simultaneously;
group communications; communications
on the move with both vehicular and
dismounted radios; DSN phone calls from
the MUOS terminal to a DSN phone;
and web browsing on both Non-Secure
Internet Protocol Router (NIPR) and
Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR).
“In order to prepare for the MOT&E,
we leveraged information from the
rigorous developmental and operational
tests conducted on the MUOS waveform,”
said COL Ross. “Results from the MOT&E
will help us determine if the MUOS
system is ready for operational use.”
With the Army, Navy, Air Force and
Coast Guard working together, the MUOS
waveform is on track for Full Operational
Capability (FOC) in 2017. Once the
MUOS waveform reaches FOC, it will
support thousands of radios across the
Services and provide troops around the
world with critical mission information.

Armor & Mobility November 2015 | 17

FutureTech
for outside assistance will give our troops
the advantage of speed and improved
safety while performing repairs in hostile
environments. Unlike other jump starting
equipment now in military use, the NATO
START™ is less costly, can be deployed in
all types of weather conditions and doubles
as a vehicle starting system diagnostic tool.
More info: dcmatic.com
natostart.com

Mobility Maintainer
DC Matic Enterprises, Inc. (DCM) has
created a 24-VDC, ¾ Inch Drive impact
wrench (Model TL-900) specifically for
U.S. and NATO forces use. During the
tool’s developmental stages DCM placed
working models in the hands of veteran
Texas National Guardsmen at FMS-15
in Fort Worth and gathered feedback.
Powered by way of specially built cable
set connected to the vehicle’s NATO slave
receptacle, the TL-900 quickly and easily
removed HEMTT wheel nuts and tank
drive sprocket nuts.
Veteran TX Guardsmen reported
to DCM that they witnessed injuries to
personnel from jumping up and down on
tent poles used as “cheater” pipes to break
loose nuts from all sorts of vehicles in the
Middle East. They also told of instances
where they had to wait for a chase truck
only to have it arrive and the compressor
not function due to sand and dust clogging
its intake. Most concerning to DCM was
hearing of convoys being stopped in hostile
areas for extended periods of time while
wheels had to be changed by using the
standard issue hand tools.

Portable
DCM has also developed a portable,
rechargeable power pack that allows their
Model TL-900 to be used on trailers and
other vehicles that do not have a NATO
slave receptacle.

Spin-Off

FutureTech

When TX Guardsmen tested the tool’s
power pack they also used it to “jump
start”
vehicles. They admitted that they
already had equipment to perform jump
starts but pointed out that what they had
was heavier, more bulky, and could not be
used in damp or rainy conditions. Based
upon their feedback DCM created the
NATO START™.
The Model TL-900 has proven that it
will quickly and easily remove wheel and
drive sprocket nuts when powered by a
NATO slave receptacle. Not having to wait

18 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

JLTV Award
U.S. Army TACOM LCMC recently
awarded Oshkosh Defense LLC a $6.7
billion Low Rate Initial Production and Full
Rate Production contract for the delivery of
17,000 vehicles. A&M spoke with Col. John
Bryant (USMC, Ret.), Senior VP of Defense
Programs, Oshkosh regarding sentiment
following award.
A&M: What is your initial sentiment
following the award decision?
Bryant: The U.S. Army conducted
a thorough and highly-disciplined
evaluation for the JLTV production
program to reach a clear conclusion: the
Oshkosh JLTV is the most capable vehicle
for our troops, and the best value for the
American taxpayer. Oshkosh is honored
to be chosen for this critical program,
which will provide protected, sustained
and networked light tactical mobility for
American troops across the full spectrum
of military operations and missions
anywhere in the world.
A&M: Speak to some key assets that
Oshkosh’s L-ATV platform brings to
the fight.
Bryant: What our troops get with an
Oshkosh JLTV is a vehicle that has been
extensively tested and is proven to provide
the ballistic protection of a light tank, the
underbody protection of an MRAP-class
vehicle, the network capability of a mobile
command center, and the off-road mobility
of a Baja racer. The Oshkosh JLTV allows
troops to travel over rugged terrain
at speeds 70% faster than today’s gold
standard, which is our Oshkosh L-ATV.
Further, the JLTV closes a capability
gap that was identified in operations
in Afghanistan and Iraq. In recent
conflicts, our Warfighters have faced new,
unconventional threats. Instead of the
force-on-force fighting of the past, troops
confronted a wide range of asymmetrical
threats, including IEDs and other explosive
devices. The U.S. Department of Defense’s
response to this type of warfare, as well as

Uniform and equipment designers have
been trying to solve the overheating
problem with body armor for years.
Undershirts composed of thick fishnet
material just accumulated moisture, as did
other undershirts with fabric tubes sewn
on, both in an attempt to provide more air
circulation between the vest and the user.
The American-made TacVent helps law
enforcement stay cool when wearing body
armor. It was designed by Jeff Shelton, a
police officer and SWAT team member in
Southern California. Jeff was one of those
officers who frequently left his vest in his
locker.
“Our SWAT team trained with full
gear, as most did, but our exercises were
usually 10-15 minutes long,” he said. “After
five hours of a real deployment, I was
overheated and dehydrated under all the
gear.”
The TacVent is a corrugated panel
that is perforated with vent holes, made
of an injection-molded thermal plastic
elastomer. The panel goes between the
body armor carrier and an undershirt,
which creates air channels between the
armor carrier and the wearer’s body for
ventilation and evaporation of sweat.
Real-world testing has shown the
TacVent can lower the temperature under
the body armor by 7.2 to 14.6 degrees
Fahrenheit.
The panel can be trimmed to fit the
wearer’s armor carrier with a knife or a
pair of scissors. It will stay in place from
the pressure of the armor carrier against
the body, but users can also secure it with
small plastic zip-ties. The panel can be
worn for the front of the user’s vest, as well
as the back, while one panel increases chest
circumference by about one-half-inch, with
another half-inch added for a back panel.
The only maintenance required is an
occasional wipe-down.
Ballistic testing with and without the
TacVent shows that the panel adds slightly
more protection to the body armor. Bullets
fired into a vest mated with the TacVent
and placed over a clay backing tore the
carrier fabric and penetrated into the clay
less than without the product.
More info: tacvent.com

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Special Section Optics and Robotics

VISUALIZING OBJECTIVE,
NEUTRALIZING TARGET

U

.S. Army Program Executive Office- Soldier and mission critical
Program Management offices represent DoD’s lead in equipping
and fielding soldiers and Joint personnel with cutting edge
optical, night vision, sensor, and laser technologies for maintaining
dominance at any hour, in any environment.
PM Soldiers, Sensors and Lasers provides soldiers with improved
lethality, mobility, and survivability in all weather and visibility
conditions. Soldier-borne sensors and lasers enhance the Soldier’s
ability to see in all battlefield and lighting conditions, to acquire objects
of military significance before the Soldier is detected, and to target
threats accurately for engagement by Soldiers or precision-guided
munitions. These systems provide critical, on-the-ground direct
support to U.S. forces.
PM Soldier Maneuver Sensors (SMS) is now fielding 17 micron
(17um) sensor technology that provides size, weight and power
improvements over previous configurations.

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Capability Spotlight

Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS), AN/PAS-13
The AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS) provides Soldiers with
individual and crew served weapons the capability to see deep into
the battlefield. It increases surveillance and target acquisition range,
and penetrates obscurants either day or night. The TWS systems use
uncooled, forward-looking infrared technology. It provides a standard
video output for training, image transfer or remote viewing. TWS
are lightweight systems that Soldiers can mount on a weapon rail and
operate beyond the maximum effective range of the weapon.

Technology Spotlight

The TWS family comprises three variants, each of which is a silent,
lightweight, compact, durable and battery-powered thermal sight.
They are:
• AN/PAS-13(V)1 Light Weapon Thermal Sight (LWTS) for the M16/

Armor & Mobility November 2015 | 19

Special Section Optics and Robotics
M4 series rifles and carbines, as well as the M136 Light Anti-Armor
Weapon.
• AN/PAS-13(V)2 Medium Weapon Thermal Sight (MWTS) for the
M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) and M240B series medium
machine guns.
• AN/PAS-13(V)3 Heavy Weapon Thermal Sight (HWTS) for the
squad leader’s weapon, M16 / M4 series rifles and carbines, M24 and
M107 sniper rifles, and M2 HB and MK19 machine guns.
Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG), AN/PSQ-20
The AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG) provides
increased capability by incorporating image intensification and longwave infrared sensors into a single, helmet-mounted passive device.
The ENVG combines the visual detail in low-light conditions that is
provided by image intensification with the thermal sensor’s ability
to see through fog, dust, rain, sleet and other battlefield obscurants.
This thermal capability, useful during the day as well as in no-light
conditions, gives the ENVG a big advantage over night-vision devices
equipped with I2 only. The ENVG also allows Soldiers to rapidly detect
and engage targets because it permits use of existing rifle-mounted
aiming lights.
Several engineering enhancements to the ENVG improve its fit
and function. For example, putting the battery pack on the rear of
the helmet provides better balance and increases comfort as well as
stability. The system also works with existing ballistic eye protection.

Integrated Night Vision
and Thermal Targeting
The U.S. Army has awarded a contract worth $367 M to DRS
Technologies Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, to provide a nextgeneration technology that integrates the most advanced, fused
night vision goggle and thermal weapon sight technology, breaking
new ground in battlefield capabilities for U.S. troops.
The capability involves the Army’s Enhanced Night Vision
Goggle III and Family of Weapon Sight (Individual) programs.
The new integrated night vision and thermal weapon system is
designed to improve lethality, mobility, survivability and situational
awareness for dismounted troops in degraded lighting and weather
conditions.
This third-generation goggle vastly improves situational
awareness and is expected to change the way ground troops fight.
Connected through a wireless system, the weapon-mounted
thermal sight is designed to transmit imagery to the night vision
goggle. This allows troops to stay protected while raising their
weapon over an obstacle or around a corner, no longer exposing the
user to enemy fire to aim and fire their weapon. The technology
also allows soldiers to acquire and engage more rapidly.
“These devices are a result of years of DRS-led innovation and
development through U.S. Army and DRS investment.” said Shawn
Black, vice president and general manager of Infrared Sensors
and Systems at DRS Technologies. “The result is a device that
affordably and significantly improves the ability of troops to see
and engage targets more rapidly in degraded combat conditions.”

20 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

In addition, the system is now more compact and easier to stow when
not in use. This enhances a Soldier’s mobility.

Family of Weapon Sights (FWS)

The Family of Weapon Sights (FWS) program will provide Soldiers
with thermal enablers/sights for the individual, crew served and
sniper weapons. They give Soldiers the capability to see deep into the
battlefield, increase surveillance and target acquisition range, and
penetrate day or night obscurants. The FWS systems will use uncooled,
forward-looking infrared technology. These systems will also have
additional features to provide improved offensive firing capabilities,
decreased transition time between mobility and targeting sensors,
and improved firing accuracy. The FWS will have three variants,
each of which will be silent, lightweight, compact, durable and battery
powered: FWS Individual (FWS-I), FWS Crew Served (FWS-CS)
and FWS Sniper (FWS-S). The FWS-I will greatly reduce target
engagement time with a feature called Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA).
It is the wireless weapon sight imagery and reticle transmission from
FWS-I to the AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG)
III so that the Soldier can engage targets rapidly without having to
transition between devices. All variants will clip-on (integration) inline with Day View Optics to achieve their capability and will include
different combinations of technologies such as state of the art sensors,
microdisplays, integrated Laser Range Finder (LRF) or interoperability
with an LRF, and disturbed reticle (auto-adjusted reticle based on
range).

Laser Target Locator (LTL)

The Laser Target Locators (LTL) are handheld or tripod-mounted,
lightweight laser target locators. They deliver target data to the fire
support, and maneuver command, control, communications and
intelligence system (C4I).
The Vector 21 is a Binocular Laser Rangefinder (BLRF) with an
embedded digital compass. Soldiers can connect the Vector 21 to the
Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) or a Defense Advanced
GPS Receiver (DAGR) to provide target grid coordinates. When used
in conjunction with an AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device,
the Vector 21 provides a limited night capability.
The Mark VII integrates a monocular direct view optic, an image
intensifier, a laser rangefinder and a digital compass into a day/night
target location device. The Mark VII connects to the PLGR or the
DAGR to provide grid coordinates to distant targets. The Mark VII
provides a limited night capability.
The Mark VIIE is an integrated target locator module, with a more
powerful 8x day optic. It has an uncooled thermal sight for increased
night performance and an embedded GPS receiver for standalone
targeting operations.
The Target Reconnaissance Infrared Geolocating Rangefinder
(TRIGR) is an integrated target locator module with a 7x direct view
optic, an improved uncooled thermal sight for significantly increased
night performance, a laser rangefinder, digital compass and embedded
GPS receiver for standalone targeting operations.
Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR), AN/PED-1, 1A
& 1B
The Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR) is a crewserved, Soldier-portable, long-range, modular target locator and laser
designation system. The primary components are the Target Locator
Module (TLM) and the Laser Designator Module (LDM). The AN/

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Special Section Optics and Robotics
PED-1A (LLDR-2) reduced system weight by more than five pounds
and reduced power consumption. The AN/PED-1B (LLDR 2H)
improves target location performance.
The TLM incorporates a thermal imager, day camera, laser
designator spot imaging, electronic display, eye-safe laser rangefinder,
digital magnetic compass, Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module
Global Positioning System (SAASM GPS) and digital export capability.
The original LLDR 1 (AN/PED-1) operates on one BA-5699 battery,
but it can also use a Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio
System (SINCGARS) battery when laser designation is not required.
A new compact laser designator is being fielded with the LLDR 2
(AN/PED- 1A). It requires less power and operates on one common
SINGARS battery (BA-5390 or BA-5590). To provide a precision
targeting capability to the dismounted Soldier, PM SPTD developed
the LLDR 2H (AN/PED-1B). It integrates a celestial navigation system
with the digital magnetic compass in the TLM. The LLDR 2H provides
highly accurate target coordinates to allow the Soldier to call for fire
with precision GPS guided munitions.
A Modification of in Service Equipment program will retrofit
fielded LLDR 1 and 2 systems with the LLDR 2H precision targeting
capability beginning in FY13.
The TLM operates as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with
the LDM. At night and in obscured battlefield conditions, the operator
can recognize vehicle-sized targets at more than three kilometers.
During day operations, targets Soldiers can recognize targets at more

The Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) is an Armyled, Joint-interest
program with the Air Force and Marine Corps to develop, procure,
and field a one-person portable targeting system for FOs and JTACs.
This future system will address the capability gap for a lightweight,
hand-held, highly accurate targeting system. It will allow target
engagements with precision munitions and provide crucial digital
connectivity to request and control indirect fires, and close air support
from all Joint assets. The portability of JETS will allow small units
supported by Army FOs or JTACs to have access to precision targeting
in all operational environments.
The JETS system will include a hand-held Target Location Module
(HTLM), a Precision Azimuth and Vertical Angle Module (PAVAM),
and a Laser Marker Module (LMM). The HTLM will have day and
thermal night vision sights, laser spot imaging, an electronic display,
celestial navigation sensors, an eye-safe laser rangefinder, a digital
magnetic compass, Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module Global
Positioning System (SAASM GPS), digital video output, and digital
communications in a module weighing less than 5.5 pounds. The
PAVAM will be a compact, lightweight inertial measurement sensor
which provides a 24/7 precision azimuth to the HTLM. The LMM

Special Section Optics and Robotics
will allow the operator to laser mark targets with a coded laser spot to
identify and handoff targets to air support assets, and will provide a
laser designation capability to target for laser guided munitions. JETS
will digitally interface with existing service-specific Forward Entry
Systems (FES) and will interface with future FESs using a common
interface being developed through a Joint services working group.
When connected to a FES, the JETS will digitally transmit target
information to higher echelons for calls for fire and close air support.

Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50L
Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Photon XT 6.5x50L Digital Night Vision
Riflescope gives every hunter the advantage to go beyond
traditional daylight hunting hours. So when the sun sets,
you’re just getting started. The versatility of the
Photon XT 6.5x50L provides an edge
to both the average hunter
and
the more advanced
shooter, delivering
a high
performance optic at
an affordable
price. The intuitive
interface is
designed with a high
resolution display that
provides long eye relief with a front focused objective lens.
Shooters can also utilize the Photon’s six digital reticle styles
for daytime or nighttime use in a durable shockproof and
waterproof design. This extremely versatile scope feature
six red/green/white digital reticle options for a vast range of
applications. Engineered with 33 percent more battery life and
20 percent lighter weight than comparable digital night vision
riflescopes, the 6.5x magnification and large 50mm objective
lens allow for vivid detailing at up to 250 yards. Shooters have
the ability to capture everything seen, day or night, through
the video output feature, and attach additional accessories
to the scope’s integrated weaver rail. The XT 6.5x50L also
utilizes a digital windage and elevation adjustment system for
guaranteed precision and an overall streamlined design.
More info: sightmark.com

Thermal Radar
Thermal Radar is an intelligent,
geospatial, 360 degree thermal
camera system. Using a single
thermal module, this camera creates
near real time panoramic images of
up to 5 mega pixels each and every
second. As the camera continuously
monitors the entire horizon, powerful on
board analytics are at work detecting
intrusions, high temperature events or
fire. This powerful system can detect
the presence of a man at more than 500 meters, a vehicle at
more than 1.5 Km and a three meter fire at more than 5 Km.
Once the detection is made customized alerts can be sent via
WI-FI, GSM or even the built in satellite modem or it can be
used direct conventional PTZ cameras to these intrusions for

22 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

forensic capture. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that all
this is done while consuming a mere 6 watts of power. When
combined with our lightweight, portable solar trailer, Thermal
Radar becomes the ideal solution a variety of applications
ranging from construction sites, gravel pits, substations,
bridges, water bodies and other critical infrastructure where
power and support facilities are either limited or nonexistent.
More info: thermalradar.com

DI OPTICAL
Model DCL110AD-3X red dot
sight is specially designed and
developed for crew served
weapons. Mounted on the
dual trajectory compensation
platforms, this model can be
utilized on both heavy (12.7
mm) and medium (7.62 mm)
size machine guns in various
capacities, static, vehicles,
tanks, helicopters, and boats. The parallax free wide lens (80 x
50mm) and the unlimited eye relief allow the shooter to engage
the target with both eyes open providing the operator with
excellent situational awareness and rapid target acquisition.
Standard Features
• Rock-solid stability for accuracy, durability, and endurance
• Compatible with military environment testing
• 3X magnifier w/flip up & down special mount
• Night Vision device compatible
• NV mode and day mode shift
• Selection switch of auto brightness & manual brightness
control
• Automatic reticle brightness setting w/ photo sensor – day
time only
More info: diopticalusa.com

Rochester Precision Optics
Rochester Precision Optics, the leading Optics Company in
the USA proudly introduces CNOD- CMOS Night Observation
Device. State of the art image sensor technology that
transforms extremely low light images into crisp, clear high
definition scenes. A high definition digital sight, with high
contrast and resolution. It allows the operator to see multiple
bands of light ranging from 500 to 1080 nanometers in bright
sun light and night time conditions.
With internal 6X magnification
electronic zoom, the CNOD
can take and store pictures
internally on a micro SD card
as well as produce video out.
It has 4 hours of battery life
and is 18.5 ounces in weight.

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Special Section Optics and Robotics
The CNOD meets Mil-Standard 810G environmental
specifications and hardened for shock on most .30 caliber
weapons and below. This device can see most lasers currently
deployed on the battlefield, visible and infrared as well as the
1.064 laser energy used for joint terminal attack controller
operations, day and night.

ROBOTICS
EVOLUTION

The CNOD has three capabilities for deployment:
• A hand held monocular in surveillance mode
• A clip-on in line weapons sight
• Or a stand-alone weapons sight with reticle of choice

The U.S. Army’s Research Laboratory (ARL) in
Aberdeen, MD, is working to more effectively
integrate interaction between operator and system
in future manned-unmanned coordination.

More info: rpoptics.com

Precision
Targeting
Precision Targeting
introduces the smallest
and lightest weapon
mounted ballistic
computer, RIANOV
Eagle. The Eagle includes
on-board sensors,
(Temperature, Pressure
and 3-Axis Orientation)
and works with any caliber
rifle and can be Trued in the field. The Eagle also enables the
shooter to gain firing solutions while in canted firing positions,
something that no other system can provide. The Eagle
interfaces with STORM, RULR, PLRF and RAPTOR LRF’s to
further decrease time to engagement in addition to thermal
weapon systems (INOD BLK III, HISS). The Eagle has been
selected for testing in the US Army’s Solider Enhancement
Program (SEP).
More info: rockwellcollins.com

complimentary

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he U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) conducts
fundamental research on technologies that will support the
development of a wide range of future intelligent systems
to aid Soldiers: from Commander’s decision aids, to intelligent
unmanned air and ground vehicles for the Army of 2035 and
beyond.

Coordinating Machine and Manipulator

A common thread running through these applications is effective,
intuitive teaming between Soldiers and machines. Our goal is the
creation of technology that will enable development of systems
to unburden Soldiers and permit units to be more capable, with
greater operational speed, flexibility, and reduced logistics footprint.
This technology will provide the commander greater flexibility
than is currently possible: the ability to probe confined spaces
such as sewers or caves, the ability to enter CBRNE-contaminated
environments with impunity, and an added presence (boots on the
ground) that projected force structure may not permit.
Ground and air vehicles will have the intellectual ability to
maneuver and engage in tasks without moment-to-moment direct
control of Soldiers, as is the case for currently fielded systems.
These systems will be able to interpret the Commander’s intent to
take specific action (generalize), learn from experience, function
effectively in uncertain and dynamic situations, act within limits
placed upon it by the Commander to ensure that its actions remain
within the rules of engagement.
ARL’s research activities are focused on four key technologies:
perception, intelligence, human-robot interaction, control and
mechanics to permit dexterous manipulation and unique modes
of mobility. Perception focuses upon the ability to understand the
environment, both physical and operational. Our research focuses
upon labeling of objects and behaviors and their relationships in a
semantic framework that will permit us to reason on abstractions.
Intelligence focuses upon the ability to reason, to plan, to learn
from experience, and to model potential actions of adversaries with
the goal of enabling systems to successfully execute missions in
conjunction with manned elements of a hybrid force.
As its name suggests, human-machine interaction focuses on
the creation of common models of the environment that will enable
humans and machines to work collaboratively towards common
goals. Effective, intuitive means of communication such as voice
and gesture mirror the interaction between Soldiers in a small unit,
and upon transparency that enables the Soldier to understand the
machines future actions and vice versa.

Unmanned Tech Solutions November 2015 | 23

Special Section Optics and Robotics

Control and Collaboration

Finally, research focuses upon those aspects of mechanics and
control technology that will enable future unmanned systems to
work in a world created for humans including easily manipulating
objects and maneuvering in complex three-dimensional
environments. This research is conducted both by ARL scientists
and engineers and with our external research partners in academia
and industry, especially through our Collaborative Research
Alliances (CRAs) and Collaborative Technology Alliances (CTAs).

Integrated Sensor Suite
The iRobot® Defense & Security
Division 510 PackBot® CBRNe
leverages the battle-tested rugged
platform’s performance history with
seamless integration of a suite of
sensors to increase a responder’s safe
distance from hazards while gathering
actionable intelligence, and protecting
responders, workers, the public, and
the environment.
Inherent in the current design
are eight different ports for data
and power transmission. The
highly adaptable CBRNe platform
provides for customer integration of
sensors, tools, and other accessories.
Responders may integrate a wide
variety of sensors to configure a
customizable sensor suite able to detect and report dangers
such as chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals,
volatile gases, explosives, and radiation.
The 510 PackBot® CBRNe addresses CBRNe response
technology needs in that it is an off-the-shelf vs. custom
solution, with robust for most outdoor terrains and extreme
climates. The PackBot is also mobile and compact enough
to function indoors and navigate stairs, catwalks, confined
spaces and extreme environmental hazards. It is dynamically
configurable for events and incidents providing security,
responders and investigators with CBRNe sensor systems
specifically for the potential or realized threat.

Condition-ready

The robotic system operates in extreme environmental and
weather conditions and provides operators with current
meteorological data. A modular manipulator arm hosts
multiple positions for sensor attachment, as well as disrupter
attachment, aiming and remote firing; the arm has a 13.6 kg
(30 lb) lift capacity and the ability to view objects up to 227
cm (89.5 in) above ground level. The chassis can be quickly
outfitted with a large variety of payloads while maintaining
full mobility on steep stairs and in challenging outdoor
terrain.
510 PackBot® CBRNe deployments include supporting
peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, performing

24 | Unmanned Tech Solutions November 2015

investigation and surveillance inside the highly radioactive
environment of the nuclear facilities of Fukushima Daiichi
(Exhibit 8) and on-site exploration for survivors at Ground
Zero post 9/11. Also threat response: reconnaissance,
recognition and assessments the 2013 Boston Marathon
bombing has utilized PackBot, as well as law enforcement:
day-to-day “mobile” support for perpetrators and victims of
theft, kidnapping, illegal drugs and other contraband and
domestic security: support of Brazil major events, including
FIFA Confederation Cup, and 2014 World Cup, and upcoming
2016 Olympics. The device has also been used in industrial
accident investigations, safely finding specific causes of
explosions and fires.
More info: irobot.com

Autonomous Convoys
The U.S. Army and Marine Corps are assessing the potential
advantages of automating truck convoys, which can be
vulnerable both to hostile forces and to distracted or sleepy
drivers.
The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development
and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and Lockheed Martin
have demonstrated the ability of fully autonomous convoys to
operate in urban environments with multiple vehicles of different
models.
Two demonstrations, one at Fort Hood, Texas, and
another at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site
in South Carolina, were part of the Army and Marine Corps’
Autonomous Mobility Appliqué System (AMAS) program. The
first test involved driverless tactical vehicles navigating hazards
such as road intersections, oncoming traffic, stalled and
passing vehicles, pedestrians and traffic circles in both urban
and rural test areas.
In the second test, AMAS completed a series of fully
autonomous convoy tests involving an unmanned leader
vehicle followed by a convoy of up to six autonomous follower
vehicles, operating at speeds up to 40 mph. The tests doubled
the length and speed of convoys previously demonstrated
under the program. The systems performed as intended.
The AMAS hardware and software are designed to
automate the driving task on current tactical vehicles. The
Unmanned Mission Module part of AMAS, which includes a
high-performance LIDAR sensor, and additional algorithms,
is installed as a kit and can be used on virtually any military
vehicle. Research is ongoing.
More info: lockheedmartin.com

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Special Section Optics and Robotics
Gain All-Terrain
The ARGO Atlas J6 and J8
UGV’s combine the legendary
ARGO extreme terrain mobility
commercial chassis with a
high efficiency electric drive
system running through a proprietary
steering
transmission. Heavy duty forged axles and an ultra-low
pressure beadlock tire ensure both smooth operation and
reliability. The result is a vehicle that is capable of traversing
sand, rocks, mud, snow, and even open water while carrying
payloads of up to 1,000 lbs on its upper flatdeck. The sealed
lower chassis provides a dry, clean volume for the mechanical
and electrical components as well as the vetronics. With a
full suite of batteries, the electric drive offers up to 10 hours
of near silent operation with the option of adding a diesel or
gas-powered range extender. A two speed transmission and
high-efficiency motors result in a top speed in excess of 25
km/h and a typical working speed of 0-10 km/h.
Deployable, dependable, adaptable -- ARGO UTVs, a
versatile light vehicle platform, are the affordable solution for a
host of military needs.
Already in service with forces worldwide, ARGO
vehicles take on missions ranging from troop transport to
reconnaissance to command posts to logistics support. Built
to traverse any terrain with a full squad on board, Argo’s
also become air-mobile in an instant with a 4-point lift hitch,
suitable for even the lightest helicopter.
More info: argoxtv.com

Unmanned Aerial Systems
Manned-Unmanned Teaming
The U.S. Army is making Manned-Unmanned Teaming
(MUMT) an established part of its tactics, techniques and
procedures (TTPs) by outfitting its combat aviation brigades,
or CABs, with Boeing AH-64D/E Apache helicopters and
Textron Systems RQ-7B Shadow® Tactical Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (TUAS) to extend the reach of their manned
platforms.
Since the Army began utilizing the Shadow, it has amassed
nearly one million flight hours. To address an ongoing need for
Shadow capabilities, Textron Systems is fielding an upgraded,
all-digital Shadow system known as Version 2, or V2.

Digitized Dynamo
The Shadow V2 is an all-digital configuration, incorporating
Ku-band compatibility and National Security Agency-approved
encryption with the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL). The
TCDL also supports greater interoperability, while the full
system is NATO standardization agreement 4586 compliant.
The Shadow V2 aircraft is able to carry a high-definition
electro-optic/infrared payload for full-motion, high-quality
digital video imagery – supported by the greater data pipeline
the TCDL affords.
Textron Systems’ Universal Ground Control Station
(UGCS) is being fielded with the Shadow V2 system, and

tacticaldefensemedia.com

will serve as the common
control station for the
Army’s Gray Eagle® and
Hunter unmanned aircraft
systems. Interoperable
command-and-control
(C2) systems like the UGCS form a foundation for teaming
between platforms and sensors across domains. They also
support multi-platform control of several systems in parallel —
collecting data from numerous sensors, creating a common
operational picture, and allowing task synchronization. This
data fusion at the source, rather than separate from the
engagement in an intelligence cell, speeds the decision cycle.

Integrated Operability
Interoperable C2 is a technology enabler for teaming, which
creates a collaborative environment between systems. The
systems become a seamlessly blended, multi-domain,
networked team of manned and unmanned platforms
operating within the same space.
The teaming theory allows the man in the loop to
cover additional ground, complete additional actions, and
communicate information and actions across the space
quickly and efficiently. Unmanned systems extend the
breadth of manned system comprehension of a surrounding
environment. This enhanced understanding enables more
informed decision quality, and correspondingly more
synchronized, responsive actions. Teaming also provides a
level of safety for the manned platform. While the Shadow
provides for a forward scout mission, the soldier remains in
a protected, non-hostile area until targets are identified and
enemy positions are known across land, sea, and air domains.
More info: textron.com

Multi-capable, Aerial Accuracy
AeroVironment’s Puma AE (All Environment) is a fully
waterproof, small, unmanned
aircraft system (UAS) designed
for land and maritime operations.
Capable of landing in water or
on land, the Puma AE empowers
the operator with an operational
flexibility never before available in
the small UAS class.
The Puma AE delivers 3.5+
hours of flight endurance. Its
powerful propulsion system and
aerodynamic design make it efficient and easy to launch
especially in high altitudes and hotter climates. Puma AE
carries a gimbaled payload with electro-optical and infrared
cameras.
The enhanced precision navigation system with secondary
GPS provides greater positional accuracy and reliability of the
Puma AE. AV’s common ground control system allows the
operator to control the aircraft manually or program it for GPSbased autonomous navigation.
More info: avinc.com

Unmanned Tech Solutions November 2015 | 25

Mission Unmanned Close Air Support
Each of the Army’s unmanned aircraft that make
up the UAS fleet is represented in this photo.
From back left to front right is, Gray Eagle,
Shadow, Puma, Hunter, and Raven. (U.S. Army)

PARTNERS IN COMBAT
Unmanned Tech Solutions recently spoke with
John Beck, Deputy Project Manager, Army
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, regarding the
evolution of unmanned air support since its
inception forty years ago, and how it is changing
the face of modern warfare.
UTS: When did the idea of putting UAS capabilities in
combat situations first start to take shape? What were
the first effective missions?
Beck: As early as the 1970’s, the Army began researching small,
unmanned aircraft to conduct target designation missions in support
of laser-guided bombs and artillery. The MQ-5B Hunter UAS was
first fielded to the Joint UAS training base at Ft. Huachuca, AZ
with E Company / 305th MI Battalion then to Alpha Company
15th MI (AEB), III Corps, at Ft. Hood, TX. These two Army units
and a special contractor demonstration team were determined to
prove Hunter’s mettle to establish UAS as a vital reconnaissance,
surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) asset on the battlefield.
In March 1999, as part of Task Force Hunter, Alpha Co 15th MI
(AEB), ‘Night Hawks’, successfully deployed Hunter to the Balkans,
residing at Camp Able Sentry, Macedonia, five days after departing
the National Training Center (NTC) rotation. That first summer
the Night Hawks flew 246 sorties, and accrued 1,357 flight hours
supporting Joint Task Force Nobel Anvil then Task Force Hawk with
real-time RSTA.
The Hunter UAS would be deployed four times in four years
to support the NATO war fighting and peacekeeping missions in
Kosovo. In Operation Allied Force, their experience gained in honing
techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) paid off. Over 6,400 flight
hours were flown by Hunter UAVs in support of Balkan operations.
Hunter was in great demand and suffered some combat losses.

26 | Unmanned Tech Solutions November 2015

UTS: In what ways have the inclusion of UAS improved
operational flexibility and efficiency?
Beck: After over twelve years of combat operations, the Army learned
that UAS needed to be tailored to meet commanders requirements
in the varied situations encountered in today’s complex world. The
Army is fielding UAS across multiple echelons to support the specific
operational and tactical missions.
The Gray Eagle provides Combat Aviation Brigade, Special
Operation Aviation Regiment and Aerial Exploitation Battalion
commanders an unmanned aircraft asset that enhances their ability
to accomplish traditional tactical tasks with its suite of multi-purpose
sensors, and lethal engagements. The changing strategic priorities
require Gray Eagle to be rapidly deployable and scalable in order to
provide direct support of Geographic and functional Combatant
Commands and Joint requirements.
The Shadow RQ-7B provides the Brigade-level ground commander
an “organic” reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting that
accomplishes traditional, tactical tasks provides a viewpoint that
can overcomes terrain and obstacles. The Shadow also mitigates
risk to manned systems that could be put in harm’s way. Many of
the reconnaissance missions are undertaken to obtain, by visual
observation or other detection methods, information about the
activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy.
The structure of the Army’s combat aviation brigade (CAB) has
continuously evolved to maintain operational flexibility, efficiency,
and effectiveness in response to an ever-changing world situation and
emerging threats. A critical aspect required to maintaining overmatch
over any current or future adversary is leveraging emerging technology.
The latest iteration of this evolution, a product of the Aviation
Restructuring Initiative, created organic manned-unmanned troops
composed of AH-64 and RQ-7B Shadow UAS in the Heavy – Attack
Reconnaissance Squadron. This combination of Shadow UAS and AH64 Attack Helicopters takes advantage of the inherent strengths of each

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Mission Unmanned Close Air Support
platform. It is through these unique, but complimentary capabilities,
that provides the CAB commander with the maximum flexibility in
support of Air-Ground operations. Additionally, the integration of
the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Company provides the CAB commander a
weapons-capable, long endurance, multi-sensor presence throughout
the depth of the operational environment.
The Rucksack Portable “Family” of Small UAS provides the small
unit Leader and Soldiers with immediate, local situational awareness
and increased force protection that is controlled within their unit.
UTS: Please speak to the importance of TOGA.
Beck: The primary importance of the Tactical Open Governmentowned Architecture is Better Buying Power, which is a way
of saying it empowers the U.S. Government to make better
acquisition decisions that lead to an increase in battlefield
capabilities while not breaking the piggy bank to do so. This
empowerment is best represented for TOGA through the
‘Government-owned’ aspect. Essentially, we have contracted in
such a way as to retain data rights for the core of the design. We do
not seek to own it all, we only desire to own enough to protect us
from future vendor lock. That gives us the ability to shop around
for the best return on investment as we desire new capabilities for
our soldiers. What it also affords us is the opportunity to bring a

new air vehicle into our fleet that is not within the same vendor
family as our legacy systems are. Because the architecture is open,
well-documented, and Government-owned, the Army Program
Manager for UAS can share it with other services and allow them
to repurpose our solution to fit their needs, which saves them
money on upfront R&D investment. That may also serve to benefit
PM UAS as new capabilities are plugged into TOGA and rolled
back in to a primary suit or trunk of software. Department of
Defense (DoD) has long sought a common controller for small
unmanned systems, but affordability of such a product line has
never been practical. The first instantiation of the TOGA software
will be deployed on a mobile hand held controller, weighing in at
five lbs, for the Army’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS).
UTS: As warfare continues to evolve over time, where do
you see UAS most effective on the battlefield?
Beck: While the Army’s leadership sees an ever expanding
role for UAS in all aspects of operations, the focus remains on a
reconnaissance and security platform integrated in Air-Ground
operations. The UAS, equipped with multi-mission payloads,
and fielded throughout the Army, is postured for continued
development as technology improves and Army leaders and
Soldiers gain more experience.

The original drone show has a new look.

May 2-5, 2016 | New Orleans

tacticaldefensemedia.com

xponential.org | #auvsiXPO

Unmanned Tech Solutions November 2015 | 27

Forward Deployment Tethered Surveillance

SECURE BY

BALLOON
Unmanned Tech Solutions
recently interviewed Matthew
McNiel, Vice President of
TCOM, a leading manufacturer
of persistent surveillance
technology, in discussing the
use of aerostats as a means
of protecting national security
interests at home and abroad.
UTS: How do aerostats act as
a valuable tool of surveillance
when compared to other modern
surveillance methods?
McNiel: Aerostat systems provide an
affordable blend of the persistent presence
delivered by ground-based sensors and the
wide area coverage attainable from airborne
assets. Aerostat systems can be optimized to
comprehensive surveillance at a remarkably
low cost. They carry the most modern
sensors available with high throughput data
links allowing for real-time observation and
evaluation, providing a bridge between the
lower cost, short-range platforms and higher
cost, long-range systems.
Specifically, when compared to groundbased applications such as towers, Tactical
Aerostats provide a much greater field of
regard by flying hundreds to thousands of feet
higher while maintaining persistent coverage
for up to 14 days and requiring a low initial
cost, a minimal footprint and only a handful
of personnel to operate. This combination
of range, precision and affordability has
proven invaluable to the numerous Forward
Operating Bases employed by U.S. Forces
abroad.
When contrasted with airborne assets
such as long endurance UAVs, a single
Strategic Aerostat can provide a persistent
on-station time that would require four
UAVs. The significantly lower cost achieved
is why we like to say TCOM makes persistent
surveillance affordable. For decades, Strategic
Aerostats have surveilled the U.S. southern
border in support of anti-narcotics trafficking
and illegal immigration, virtually eliminating

small plane flights in the Southwest and
fundamentally affecting â&#x20AC;&#x153;go-fastâ&#x20AC;? boats in the
Caribbean.
UTS: How has the use of aerostats
evolved in the time since 9/11?
McNiel: As expected, and similarly to many
surveillance technologies, the use of aerostats
has significantly increased since 9/11 both
domestically and abroad. TCOM-provided
systems have supported the United States and
foreign governments with complete persistent
surveillance capabilities.
Most importantly, the aerostat has proven
to be invaluable when facing an asymmetric
threat. In Operation Enduring Freedom
and Operation Iraqi Freedom, full motion
video coupled with 1,000 to 3,000 of altitude
allowed friendly forces to track and identify
opponents placing improved explosive devices
and guide weapon systems such as attack
helicopters to eliminate the threats at their
source.
Additionally, with the development

28 | Unmanned Tech Solutions November 2015

of low-cost missile technology, Aerostatbased sensors provide the lookdown angle
necessary to see cruise missiles, yet keep
the cost to fractions of that required to keep
other Airborne Early Warning (AEW ) assets
on station. This is evident with the current
deployment of the Joint Land Attack Cruise
Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor
System (JLENS) supporting the Washington
Military Region from Aberdeen Proving
Grounds.
UTS: In what ways do you see the
use of aerostats in the future as a
more effective way of executing law
enforcement?
McNiel: Currently, TCOM supplies aerostats
as part of the Tethered Aerostat Radar
System (TARS) Network deployed along
the U.S.-Mexico border. These systems are
optimized to monitor illegal activity along
the border, specifically in hard-to-reach areas
where drug trafficking and illegal border
crossings have historically been a problem.

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Forward Deployment Tethered Surveillance
has another interesting aspect. Aerostats
have proven highly effective at monitoring
migrant vessels and providing cues to rescue
operations when necessary.
Low flying aircraft provide a challenge
to traditional air defense systems as they
can often use terrain to mask from groundbased surveillance, while airborne assets
carry significant operational costs and
typically advanced planning. The unique
capability of aerostat borne sensors to
look down (and thereby eliminate terrain
masking) and stay on-station affordably has
proven critical as evidenced by the longevity
of the Department of Homeland Security’s
Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS)
program.
UTS: How has TCOM maintained
aerostat lifecycle support in an age of
shrinking defense budgets and rising
threats?

TCOM Center of Excellence & Manufacturing
Facility in Elizabeth City, NC, where a
300,000-square foot hangar is used for all of the
company’s manufacturing and testing operations.
The hangar can accommodate LTA vehicles
up to 150 feet tall with access to waterways for
maritime and real world applications. (TCOM)

Also, TCOM’s smaller tactical aerostats are
augmenting the TARS program in areas
with highly active ground traffic concerns.
The smaller systems are also ideal for use in
event security applications, such as the Super
Bowl, World Cup or Olympics. They not
only provide actionable surveillance data,
but they also improve communication and
collaborative ability for security personnel.
Our surveillance systems have served as
vital components in applications as disparate
as television and radio broadcasting, drug
traffic interdiction, illegal immigration
prevention, communications intelligence, air
defense surveillance, electronic intelligence,
troop and vehicle monitoring, and insurgent
detection.
UTS: Where would you say aerostats
have proven most effective in the
case of land, sea and air intelligence
operations?
McNiel: Aerostats by nature are best-suited
to semi-permanent locations, which require

tacticaldefensemedia.com

advanced warning or wide area surveillance
such as forward operating bases, maritime
approaches, and international borders. In
these circumstances, they provide a highly
beneficial, dual function. Due to the very
prominent visual aspect of the airborne
platform, any increase in effectiveness of
supported troops is very quickly applied
to the aerostats and behaviors modify
significantly when in flight.
In the case of land applications, U.S.
forces at Forward Operating Bases were
often assaulted by lone insurgents remotely
and improved explosive devices placed
just outside normal observation areas.
Invariably, the deployment of aerostats to the
FOB’s saw an immediate increase in allied
counter strikes. Within a short amount of
time, local leadership would find enemy
operations had relocated entirely or were
curtailed exclusively to times when the
aerostat was not flying.
The maritime domain, while also
benefitting from increased effectiveness
of friendly forces and the deterrent effect,

McNiel: Domestically, TCOM continues to
work on the three major aerostat programs
of record; the Department of Homeland
Security’s Tethered Aerostat Radar System
(TARS), the Department of Defense’s Joint
Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated
Netted Sensor System (JLENS) and the
US Army’s Persistent Surveillance System
Tethered (PSS-T); to further technology and
reduce operating costs at every opportunity.
Internationally, we are expanding into
markets with the technologies recently
developed domestically to expand usage
globally and allow incremental technical
advances at no cost to the US Government.
Additionally, TCOM continues to
develop innovations that enhance aerostatsystem performance, durability, and overall
effectiveness. Our Center of Excellence in
Elizabeth City, NC promotes innovation
in the Lighter-than-Air industry, serving
as the central hub of activity to reduce risk
and cost to new customers by integrating
new and advanced sensors under internal
research and development projects and
shared costs with sensor manufacturers
across the globe.
From airborne early warning on the US
southern border and multiple countries in
the Middle East to situational awareness for
forward operating bases in various combat
zones, the capability and value of tethered
aerostats are well established. The continued
value for cost is unmatched in decades of
development.

Unmanned Tech Solutions November 2015 | 29

Rugged on the Move Mobile FOBs

EVOLUTION IN
COMMAND POST MOBILITY
While traditional command posts were
not designed with mobility in mind, the
proliferation of an Army that needs to be
connected constantly to a robust, reliable
network during any stage of operation and
in remote areas has thrust agile and flexible
command posts into the spotlight.
By Nancy Jones-Bonbrest and Amy Walker, Program Executive
Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical

W

ith an operating concept that calls for regionally
aligned and adaptable U.S. forces, able to respond
to multiple military or humanitarian contingencies
anywhere in the world, the Army is moving away from the
command posts and Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs)
used during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom. While they performed as needed for
static operations, they were also massive, heavy and complex,
requiring significant strategic lift to deploy on short notice,
considerable time to set up and tear down, and extensive
wiring, cables and fuel.
“Information dominance is our decisive edge,” said Maj.
Gen. Stephen Fogarty, the commanding general for the U.S.
Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Ft. Gordon, during
the TechNet Expo in August. “In many of the areas where we
anticipate we’re going to operate, we don’t think we’re going
to be able to bring these huge TOCs we used to operate in over
the last 14 years.”
Instead, said Fogarty, the Army will need to establish home
station mission command centers, master secure en route
communications, and deploy tactical command posts forward
with robust communications capabilities able to reach back
while troops are simultaneously executing mission command
over multiple formations and potentially across multiple
combatant commands.
The Army is currently working on a new command post
concept; one that stresses a scalable, integrated and mobile
solution.

Operations by Concept

On September 1 this year, the Army approved a Command Post
Concept of Operations (ConOps), laying out the capabilities
and innovative ideas needed to effectively determine the
model for the Command Post 2025, which envisions a reduced
footprint while improving its ability to integrate into a Joint,
inter-organization and multinational force.
The Command Post 2025 would also take advantage of
new and emerging technology, such as the Army’s Common
Operating Environment that will bring stovepiped systems
onto a common foundation, allowing the delivering of
warfighting capabilities as software applications. It will look

30 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

at using evolving technologies such as Command Post (CP)
Wireless Solutions, virtualized hardware, Web-based and enroute mission command applications, and intelligent power
in a holistic manner. The Army’s mobile common tactical
network backbone, Warfighter Information Network-Tactical
(WIN-T) Increment 2, will also add agility and f lexibility to
Command Posts operations, providing mission command on
the move and advanced communications capabilities.
“We want to help inform options to provide an integrated
command post capability that would support commanders’
requirements and needs at various echelons, regardless of
what phase of operations they’re supporting,” said H. Lynn
Epperson, director, Command Post 2025 for the Program
Executive Office Command, Control and CommunicationsTactical (PEO C3T). “Those key objectives call for the
command post to be smaller in size, more efficient with power
and more expeditionary.”
To achieve these goals, the Army is taking a holistic
approach to development with synchronization across the user,
acquisition, and science and technology communities.

tacticaldefensemedia.com

Rugged on the Move Mobile FOBs
situations,” said Lt. Col. Mark Henderson, product manager
WIN-T Increment 1, which manages the Army’s CP wireless
capabilities. “Fewer cables enables speed of maneuver, which
allows Soldiers to remain fully engaged in the mission longer.”
The Army’s command post Wi-Fi demo in Hawaii was a
risk reduction exercise to prepare for Network Integration
Evaluation (NIE) 16.1 taking place at Ft. Bliss, Texas in
September and October. Here the Army will demonstrate both
unclassified and classified CP Wi-Fi capability with a full
brigade main command post. The Army already successfully
demonstrated “unclassified” CP Wi-Fi with a battalion-sized
element during NIE 15.2 at Fort Bliss, Texas in May.
There are numerous command post initiatives at NIE
16.1 and the results will inform the operational community
about potential approaches for light weight and at-the-quickhalt options, and on-the-move capabilities, in addition to
improvements that support faster set up and tear down times
of larger command posts.

Forward, March!

The Army will continue to look at various command post
modernization efforts. One being explored by PEO C3T is
the concept of a Simplified Battalion Command Post (SB CP).
Following NIE 16.1 PEO C3T will establish a user jury at Ft.
Bliss to explore the SB CP. Soldiers will provide feedback on

Already as part of the effort, WIN-T Increment 1 successfully
demonstrated a National Security Agency (NSA) - accredited
unclassified and classified CP Wi-Fi solution with a brigade
command post in June at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Wireless command posts not only shed cumbersome
cabling, but network set up and tear down times could be cut
significantly, increasing unit agility and reducing interruption
of advanced situational awareness. Without wireless capability,
setting up a network in a brigade command post takes hours
and requires 17 boxes of 1,000 feet CAT 5 cable that weigh
a total of 255 pounds. The cables have to be cut, laid out,
configured and plugged in. Often a special protective f looring
has to be laid to protect the cabling. By going wireless, network
set up and tear down time can be reduced significantly.
Additionally, units can turn on their Wi-Fi ‘hotspot’ and
instead of their network coming up last following command
post set up, now it comes up first, significantly reducing
network downtime for commanders and staff.
“Unplugging the command post increases freedom of
maneuver, to better fight the fight, or aid in disaster relief

tacticaldefensemedia.com

The Surface Warfare Strategy:
A View Beyond the Horizon

12-14 January 2016
Hyatt Regency Crystal City,
Arlington, VA

WWW.NAVYSNA.ORG
Armor & Mobility November 2015 | 31

Rugged on the Move Mobile FOBs

The Army is transitioning to smaller, more agile CPs, such as this one using an inflatable air beam tent and supported by a satellite terminal, the Secure Internet Protocol
Router/Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Access Point and combat vehicles equipped with Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2, the Army’s
mobile tactical communications network backbone. (Amy Walker, PEO C3T)

what they believe is the best combination of mission command
capabilities and mobility.
The SB CP would provide mission command capabilities in
command posts, mounted platforms, and on mobile/handheld
devices through a software architecture simplification and
integration effort intended to simplify capabilities and
increase the mobility of Battalion command posts. Feedback
obtained from this initiative will be used to help shape the
design currently underway for the Command Post Computing
Environment version 3 compliant programs.
“It’s about finding that sweet spot for commanders and
their staff,” said Lt. Col. Shane Taylor, product manager
Tactical Mission Command for PEO C3T. “We want to give
them a TOC-like capability down to the tactical edge that
finds the balance between overburdening commanders with
unused capabilities, yet provides the right level of information
to enable their execution of mission command. That is done
through a capability that is common to all, but scalable based
on echelon, mission phase and network availability.”

32 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

Additionally, earlier this year the Army began limited
fielding of its new Enroute Mission Command Capability, or
EMC2, on the Global Response Force’s C17 aircraft to enable
inf light internet and mission command capability, creating
in essence a “f lying command post.” EMC2 provides internet
service, mission command applications, full-motion video,
intelligence products and collaborative planning tools along
with a complete office suite of computers and voice phones -all onboard an airplane. It enables en-route mission command,
so that as the situation develops in the destination target area,
commanders will be able to get updates, understand changes
on the ground and be able to adjust their plan to accommodate
for those changes. Testing of EMC2 began at multiple locations
this summer.
All of these efforts will help inform command post
requirements as the Army works to finalize a Capability
Development Document (CDD) that will provide the
operational requirements for the system so Command Post
2025 can be integrated, tested, fielded and trained.

he mission of the ISR & SOF Directorate, a branch of the U.S.
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Wright
Patterson AFB, Ohio, is to provide our ISR & SOF warfighters
with the tools they need to dominate the Find, Fix, Finish, and when
needed, Rescue Battlespace. Our diverse portfolio of 107 programs
and 53 Foreign Military Sales cases includes manned and unmanned
ISR aircraft, fixed wing strike and mobility aircraft, rotary wing
aircraft, battlefield airman systems, sensors, ground control stations,
communication systems, nuclear forensics systems, and special
projects.

Upgrading Fleet Readiness

With almost 1,700 people at numerous locations around the country,
we manage a 16-plus, billion-dollar budget across the active budget
years. The ISR & SOF Directorate is a large acquisition directorate
with the most rapidly expanding portfolio in the Air Force Life Cycle
Management Center. My role as the Program Executive Officer for
this awesome organization is to exercise my acquisition authorities and
to provide vision and leadership that leads to the delivery of integrated,
innovative, and dominant capabilities…on time, on cost. We’re
focused keenly on fostering innovation and growth in our people and
creating the right tools to allow them to do their jobs more effectively
and efficiently. As far as the people go, we’re focused on developing the
right skills, relationships, and mindsets that make us the acquisition
organization of choice for our ISR and SOF warfighters allowing us to
rapidly deliver war-winning capabilities that are safe to operate.
The Air Force is at a critical juncture as we try to re-capitalize our
aging fleet of rotary wing aircraft. To do so appropriately, we need to
grow our workforce’s rotary wing skills in parallel. We are also focused
on building and leveraging relationships between contractors, the
Combatant Commands, the Services, the Labs, and other Government
agencies to ensure we are taking full advantage of innovative
technologies and opening up our platform designs to easy integration
of new sensors and other systems. We’re focused on a mindset that
emphasizes “Yes, if…” not “No, because…” When our warfighters tell
us they need something, we’re going to find a way to get it to them.

Balancing Critical Partnerships

As far as the tools go, we are looking to make sure we have the right
things in place to react to our customers’ needs. Within ISR and SOF,
there will be more and more Cooperative Research and Development
Agreements (CRADAs), as well as Small Business Innovative
Research (SBIR) projects; and developing acquisition strategies, design
strategies, and contractual vehicles that make our systems more
open to integrating with other systems and ultimately make us more
responsive to our warfighters. The notion of “owning the technical
baseline” of our capabilities grew from a realization that the Air Force
had become, in some cases, over-reliant on commercial industry to

34 | Armor & Mobility November 2015

A HC-130P “King Bird” refueling HH-60G “Pave Hawk” (USAF)

create and manage the technical details that describe our capabilities.
Not only is this expensive, but at times it hampers our ability to deliver
capabilities soonest. In the ISR & SOF Directorate, we’ve created and
plan to grow a Rapid Development and Integration Facility, RDIF for
short, located at Wright Patterson. This facility provides a hands-on
“monster garage” approach that we use for the delivery of certain
system modifications. In addition, tremendous cost savings, up to
75-90% in some cases have occurred as a result of this new method,
and we keep ownership and control of the technical baseline and data
needed to cost-effectively re-create the solution.
Our partnership with industry is certainly a focus area, and our
emphasis on SBIR, CRADAs, open architectures, flexible contract
vehicles, and Government ownership of the technical baseline should
help us create competition and deliver innovative solutions to the
warfighters. Taking a closer look at SBIR, for example, the ISR &
SOF Directorate plays an active role in the leadership and promotion
of technical research as it applies to capabilities we plan to deliver
in the future. Currently, the ISR & SOF Directorate is actively
managing or participating in 67 research topics and contracts valued at
approximately $40,000,000. Overall, the SBIR program has been very
successful at supporting creative small businesses in the early stages
of technology development. It has been only moderately successful in
helping businesses transition from development to production. The
end goal is a tighter coupling between opportunities and small business
investments—the payoff is a reduced cost and increased combat
effective end-item deliveries to the warfighters.

Facing Challenges Ahead

Certainly the current budget-constrained environment has created
uncertainties and challenges relative to the demands on our great
workforce and our ability to meet all of our customer’s requirements.
That said, in 2015 the ISR & SOF Directorate is continuing its proud
tradition of delivering innovative, game-changing capabilities to
our warfighters. We are well-poised to answer the call to continue
delivering agile, innovative, adaptable, and affordable war-winning
capabilities for the world’s greatest Air Force as well as our Special
Operations and foreign partners. Under the leadership of the Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the Air Force acquisition
community will focus on five immediate priorities: get the top
programs right and keep them on track; improve transparency;
own the technical baseline; improve business acumen and small
business efforts; and build the Air Force of the future. The Air Force
Acquisition 20-Year Strategy will position the Air Force to embed
adaptability as the fundamental strategic agility enabler required
to meet the rapidly changing needs of the warfighter. The strategy
focuses on five pillars: systems, solutions, workforce, tradecraft, and
industrial base.

The advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers. Tactical Defense Media cannot be held responsible for discrepancies due to last-minute changes or alterations.

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